Aiguille du Midi - the rooftop of Europe with one of the most beautiful views

Every place you travel has something that will make you remember it for, but there are some places and experiences that simply take your breath away and leave an indelible print on your mind. One such place is located at 3,842 meters height, southeast of the French town and the popular ski resort of Chamonix.

Aiguille du Midi is a mountain peak in the French Alps visited by more than half a million tourists a year. This unreal location at the very "top of Europe" offers visitors a perfect view and an unforgettable ride on the legendary cable car from Chamonix.

The tallest vertical cable car in the world

The popular cable car, built in 1955, which has held the record for the highest cable car in the world for two decades, will take you all the way to Aiguille du Midi, the place where you can get closest to Mont Blanc without climbing or hiking. Today it is no longer the highest, but it still holds the record for the cable car with the highest vertical ascent in the world. In only twenty minutes, it will take you from the center of Chamonix which is located at an altitude of 1,035 meters, to the mountain tops at an altitude of 3,777 meters.

Visitors can also choose to go out on Plan de l’Aiguille at 2,317 meters of height, and continue walking to the upper Montenvers train station, located at the foot of the Mer de Glace.

The perfect 360 degree view

After an exciting cable car ride from the Téléphérique de l’Aiguille du Midi, from which they can enjoy the amazing scenery all the way, visitors are amazed by the panoramic view from the small bridge. Located at 3,777 meters above sea level, the bridge offers a perfect view of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. You feel almost as if you are in the epicenter of the Alps, huge peaks that overflow in all directions breaking through the horizon as far as the eye can see.

The lift will then take you to the highest deck at 3,842 meters, from where you will be able to enjoy one of the most spectacular views in Europe - the Mont Blanc, undoubtedly one of the most picturesque landscapes in the French Alps.

Look down - only for the bravest!

If the very thought of riding the legendary cable car makes you dizzy, it is very likely that you will not like the next attraction.

Apart from the cult cable car, many visitors are also attracted by the glass installation "Step into the Void", by French architect Pierre-Yves Chays. The dramatic view that extends through the glass is not for the faint of heart. You will feel like you are standing in the air above the Alps. This intimidating installation is wind-resistant up to 225 km/h.

At the top there is also an ice tunnel leading to the La Vallée Blanche, a museum, a historic area and many more attractions.

A place visited by more than half a million tourists a year

This famous peak has been an unavoidable destination for many visitors for more than 60 years. Due to the large number of visitors to the cable car, it is necessary to register well in advance on the official website. Also, the cable car is maintained once a year, most often in November, so it does not work during that period.

Temperatures at the top hardly rise above 0°C, even in summer, and be prepared for -25°C in winter. A return ride for one person costs 65 €, and a family pass is 201.60 €. More information about the schedule and prices can be found here.

A slightly different descent

In addition to being a wonderful place to relax, Chamonix is also a paradise for adventurers since 1924 when it hosted the world’s first Winter Olympics.

If you are a fan of extreme sports and experiences, there is also the possibility of paragliding from the Aiguille du Midi all the way to Chamonix. Would you dare? :)